With injury concerns lingering, UFC vet/broadcaster Florian still unsure of next step

It hadn’t quite sunk in for Kenny Florian (14-6 MMA, 12-5 UFC) that he had been hired for a color-commentating role on the UFC’s second broadcasting team. Contractually speaking, that is.

“I haven’t signed anything that that’s going to happen yet,” he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) shortly after UFC officials confirmed his new job.

It also hasn’t sunk in yet that Florian may not ever fight again. Medically speaking, that is.

Doctors have told him a herniated disc in his lower back is fatal to his career inside the octagon. But he could fight again, if he is willing to endure the pain of training camp.

“I pretty much got the final word, but it just depends on how I feel going forward,” he said. “The doctors have recommended that I stop fighting, for now, based on what I have. But we’ll see how I feel, and who knows, maybe I can improve the situation.”

For now, broadcasting is Florian’s gig. Along with recent UFC hire Jon Anik, he’ll call UFC on FX 1, which takes place Friday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., and airs live on FX and FUEL TV. In addition to his commentating role, he also took a job on the weekly “UFC Tonight” program on FUEL TV and will be part of some upcoming event specials.

“It’s good to stay busy and be able to make some money while I’m not able to fight,” he said.

Florian first served as a color commentator at UFC 83 and went on to call five other fights in the now-defunct WEC and UFC.

A two-time title challenger at lightweight, Florian was unsuccessful in a bid to win featherweight champion Jose Aldo’s crown in his most recent appearance at UFC 136. He continues to train, but far from the way he does in preparation for a fight.

“(I’m) very limited with my training and what I can do, and just waiting to get over the pain,” Florian said. “Eventually, hopefully, be able to do something on a consistent basis without feeling this pain in my back.”

The veteran of “The Ultimate Fighter 1″ said he “didn’t like hypotheticals” when asked if there were any fights he’d like to take as a last challenge in the event he could compete again. And on Tuesday night’s new edition of “UFC Tonight,” Florian would only say he is taking a “wait and see” approach. In the meantime, the longtime fan favorite is trying to remain upbeat.

“I always try to make the positive out of anything I do, so just waiting to see what happens,” Florian said. “It is what it is.”

For more on the UFC’s upcoming schedule, including this weekend’s UFC on FX 1 event, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

From Our Partners

The Latest

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.